New US Sanctions Could Complicate Foreign Airlines’ Return to Iran

New US sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector could make it harder for foreign airlines to resume flights to the country, even after regional security risks subside.

Foreign airline services to Iran have effectively stopped following the war and heightened regional tensions. Security concerns remain an immediate barrier to their return.

The latest sanctions add another potential obstacle. An improvement in the security situation may no longer be enough on its own to clear the way for foreign carriers to restart operations.

Airlines considering a return would also need to assess whether their planned services could expose them to restrictions linked to Iran’s aviation sector. That could complicate decisions about resuming flights, independently of the risks of operating in the region.

The sanctions do not necessarily mean foreign flights will remain suspended indefinitely. They do, however, raise the prospect that Iran’s international air connections could remain limited even after the immediate security crisis eases.